Written by

Associated Press

TRENTON — A New Jersey appeals court has ruled the Christie administration improperly repealed regulations that cut power plant pollution.

The appeal stems from a 2012 lawsuit by environmental groups challenging the way the state withdrew from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. That measure aims to reduce carbon dioxide pollution by setting limits on emissions by power plants that burn fossil fuels.

Christie withdrew from the initiative in 2011, calling it failed public policy.

New Jersey’s appellate division ruled Tuesday that the Christie administration didn’t follow provisions required in the repeal process. The suit did not challenge the legality of New Jersey’s withdrawal from the initiative.

The court has ordered the state’s Environmental Protection Department to take steps to properly repeal the regulations.